Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day holds some of the most fond memories I have with my Dad in Savannah. For those who don't know it, Savannah has the 2nd largest St. Patrick's Day celebration, bigger than Chicago. As a high school girl attending a private Catholic school in the heart of downtown, St. Patrick's Day meant extra days off school because the parade route literally goes by the Cathedral and we literally couldn't park our cars. (thank you tourists!) As I got older, it meant celebrating with my friends but not before I spent the morning with my Mom and Dad watching the parade. We would get to our square super early and set up with family friends. Dad would start the morning with drink for everyone. Not that the drinks made the occasion but they did become a vital memory for everyone who stopped by our location. Some people stopped by just for the drink! My friends, high school, college and beyond all looked forward to an excuse to visit with my Dad in order to enjoy his cocktails while we all watched the parade go by. A time honored tradition became a series of memories for not only me, but my friends as well.

Two years ago today, we sat on the side of the road by the Cathedral watching my childhood pastor, Father O'Brien serve as Grand Marshall - an honor of the highest possibility on this day. While we celebrated that day, we also watched with very heavy hearts knowing that the very next day, we would bury my Dad. Tears of both joy and sorrow now accompany this time for all in my family as we remember with joy all the good times, but also mourn the loss of a very special man.

Dad, there is so much that has happened in the last two years and as I sit here with my sons in their Irish green, I think of you and look at the faces, looks and grins they give me and know that you live on. I miss you more than words can say so here's to you - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Jack, Graham and Anthony - St. Patrick's Day 2011

You try to get three 7-week olds to all look at the camera at once!
Official weights are now 7 lbs, 14 ounces for Jack and Anthony. 7 lbs, 8 ounces for Graham!